AS I AM, AS YOU ARE.

Terming God as merely creative would be an understatement. He is marvelously and incredibly crafty, witty and wise to infinity. With these bombastic adjectives, I only hope to have attempted to capture God's amazing ability to create all that I can see and all that which I cannot even imagine, let alone see. Our God is an awesome God. 

Focusing on that which I can see, in God's vast creation, none is as captivating as the human species. They have never ceased to amaze me. They always leave me guessing how God could look like since we were all created in God's image as Genesis 1:27 refrains. The billions of personalities, faces and abilities the world population has, all have a unified origin and that is God's hands. We all posses His breath. The thought of that leaves me awed and God's love for me becomes more than just a reality. When I look around and see the many faces, I see God. With that, God has taught me how to love. 

No doubt our creator had a good reason why he made us different. My High School Chemistry teacher once wondered with us in class, “What if we were all the same? Wouldn't the world be the most boring place?” I agreed with her. I envisioned a mass of people who all looked the same, had the same character, likes and dislikes. It would have its advantages, but then, this way, which is God's way, appears better. Appreciating this fact has taught me to accommodate various types of people. It is not easy. The character traits of some individuals may get to us badly. However, with the Grace of God, we have the ability to accommodate and even love just about anyone. 

My mother learnt this life lesson the hard way and I have to thank God because in turn, I too, have learnt. She grew up in an ideal society, knowing that all people were designed to behave well and everyone knew that they had a duty to make the world a better place. Of course she could not have stayed there forever. She got married and had to move to a totally different environment. Her societal generalizations were however met with a staggering shock. She was apparently expecting too much from our treacherous society. She had a hard time adjusting and almost succumbed to depression. The very people that she expected to be her closest friends around turned out to be a jealous and malicious lot. This realization got her very disappointed and it almost got the better of her. Nevertheless, God was always by her side and in the end, she emerged a victor and conquered it all. She has since healed and indeed learned a great deal. Today, my mom is more confident in approaching life or anyone. She has also understood that in life, we should expect anything.

Things cannot always go our way especially in situations that are beyond our control. It is why in the serenity prayer, we say, “God give us the grace to accept, with serenity, the things that cannot be changed, courage to change the things that should be changed and the wisdom to distinguish the one from the other.” That way, we will be at peace with nature and even with those around us. We will be able to take on everything as it comes. Also, we will learn to appreciate ourselves knowing that we are who we are for a reason. By no means should anyone feel pressured to be like anyone else rather than themselves. We can only seek God to transform us from deep within so that we can be our best. He is the only one who knows why and for what purpose He made each one of us. Seeking Him everyday and ensuring that we live our lives in a way that is pleasing unto Him will indeed reach us to that splendid destiny.

Therefore, as I am I will accept me, and as you are I will embrace you.

BEHOLD, THE OLD IS GONE

“This movie has been here for far too long. Let me check it out,” I thought to myself as I double clicked on a movie entitled The Encounter in my computer. It had been there for more than a fortnight. I had gotten it, among other movies, from my then boyfriend's place. He talked lightly of it being some kind of Jesus story. Then a luke-warm Christian, I took it anyway. From then, something in me seemed to push me to watch it while another part of me kept resisting the urge. In the end, I gave in and I watched it. It was a thoroughly inspiring movie. I remember shedding tears severally as I watched the events in the film unravel. A very gifted fellow acted out as Jesus and I must say, he did a remarkable performance. He was gentle, calm and composed the whole time. The way he addressed the visitors in his hotel, which was the movie’s main setting, amazed me. It got me thinking. I did not understand what, exactly, was happening to me, but indeed, something was.

It had been three years since I set foot into campus. Life was moderately fine. I tried hard not to miss classes, though sometimes I did. I mostly attended church when I could. I routinely made a prayer before bedtime. I prepared my own food and I also had good relations with my room mate. I always found a way of justifying my actions and therefore, I barely saw anything wrong with my spiritual life. I used to wonder about those who kept attending fellowships and the door to door evangelists, who I even found bothersome. The Bible I had was only meant for church services. I thought it impossible to find my own time to read the word. I rarely went for raves and the occasional entertainment events at our Student's Center, but with some good convincing, I would go. In my first year, I even attempted to contest in a beauty pageant. To sum it all up, I loved to have a good time, or so it seemed.

Two weeks after my encounter with The Encounter, that was 6^th May, 2012, things took a new turn. It was a Sunday. The preacher, Mr. Raburu, a lecturer, touched the core of my soul with his preaching on Re-branding. This meant doing a personal spiritual review to find out if you lived your life in line with your original calling as a Christian. He was candid and his words cut me through like a razor sharp sword. The power of the Holy Spirit took a toll on me when he called on those who wanted to give their lives to Christ once again. There was no way I could resist this time as I always did. For the first time, I gave in to the alter call. I was pleasantly surprised to see that my lovely friend Tecla had decided on the same. I was glad and thankful to God, and even excited, to begin this walk with such a special friend. We both prayed for God’s grace as we embarked on our newly began journey.

One year down the line and I am still singing the same song, but now, even louder. I am living for my savior Jesus. Through reading the word, listening to it and following various devotionals, it is hard to go off course. The world and its pleasures seemed like fun, but now, I find my life having more meaning with Jesus in control. It has not been a smooth ride. Hard times came and I was distraught. The option of turning back kept crossing my mind, but I chose to hang in there. I had to break up with my boyfriend a few months after I got born again. I had changed and the girl he had fallen for was no more. He kept complaining that I had no time for him and that he missed the old me. I could not be the old me. It was difficult but we had to end it. I got into another relationship with a non-born-again. It started all sunny and bright, but later, it just could not work. That’s when I understood the whole concept of 2 Corinthians 6:14. There could be no association between the light and darkness. Single I am and totally at peace with it. I am now taking my time to comprehend God’s will and the purpose He has for my life.

I have had plenty of good times too. I've met great people who have all been a blessing. On the forefront being my spiritual mom n dad, Mr. and Mrs. Macharia. Immediately I accepted Christ, they led me into the beauty of salvation. They opened up my eyes in the most brilliant of ways. Together with Tecla and a few others, they offered us discipleship classes. They spoke intently about what it meant to be born again. They reiterated on 2 Corinthians 5:17. I give glory to God, for truly, the old me has gone, and a new me has come. The Coast Evangelistic Team is a blessed family. The constant prayers and fellowship meetings taught me the power of unity in Christians. It was a perfect Acts 2:42-47 scenario. The Bible study sessions with my other spiritual mom Emelda were nothing short of amazing. They were fun and the enthusiasm among the members always left me yearning for the next session. Never in my mind had it occurred to me that salvation could be this enjoyable.

The long holiday began and I kept wondering how I would survive at home without all these people who seemed to hold me together under the light of God. I was a bit unsure but I knew God was with me. He wanted me steady, because He gave His life for me, and therefore, He would definitely sort me out. I thank God for my family, especially my mother. She is my second mentor. Her words of wisdom and the many chats we have are always encouraging and eye-opening. My dearest friend Joseph is, to say the least, a Godsend. We began talking barely a month before we closed. I had, by no means, foreseen that God was planning to use Him in a way this great. Despite him being miles away, we always find ample time to share our experiences, the word of God and even pray together. He is commonly known for his amazing spoken words. I have heard and read a few of his productions and I must say that the guy is talented. I should also mention that he has played a major role in influencing me to write. On the same note, I have to acknowledge my girlfriend Zeddy. She introduced me to the idea of blogging which I had thought to be a difficult process only meant for the techno savvy. However, I have come to find it so easy and fun. I thank God because now, it is officially my hobby; blogging for the glory of God.

I have numerous other friends and family who have done a great deal in helping me stand, both directly and indirectly. I may not have mentioned them here but God knows each one of them by name and will surely reward them. I thank God every day for the gift of salvation He has bestowed on me and how He has carried me through it. It is all by His wonderful grace. If it were not for Him, I would not have made it this far. I have seen Him manifest in every aspect of my life and deep down my heart I know that He is taking me further. He is a mighty God. With Him by my side, even my mind cannot conceive the plans that He has in store for me. Jeremiah 29:11 shall be my hope and in His word, I shall abide for all the days of my life. Amidst the trouble and confusion of this world, I shall praise and worship the Lord, for in Him, I find peace.

BE GOOD…DO GOOD

No one sane can deny the satisfaction that comes with affecting another's life positively. It is always an amazing self-fulfilling sensation. At that moment, the world ceases to be ugly place that it is often purported to be. The hopeless find their hope and the lost are found. The hungry are fed and the homeless find shelter. It is a win win situation and the ambiance suddenly feels like a temporary paradise. However, beyond these perceived good acts, we can seek to understand their root. Why should we do what is good? Is their a greater reward than just a pleasurable feeling?

During the relatively many years I have been in this world, I have come across some two categories of those who do good. There are those who are genuinely good and can help you out expecting absolutely nothing in return. Those who can give you a lift by the road side and take you to your destination safe and sound. Some may go hysterical if you offer them something in return for their favour. They are very few, I should say, but they are there. These are a sample of the Good Samaritan. They believe in helping whenever, wherever and however they can and they do it cheerfully. The fact that you will forget them after that incident does not hinder them from giving you a hand. All they want to do is just give the necessary assistance.

We also have those people who do good, yes, but their effort cannot go unrewarded. They believe in the “nothing is for free" philosophy. Apparently, they work so hard for what they have. So, it cannot go just like that. When they offer you assistance, be prepared to repay them in some way. Such will mostly insist on recognition for their action. The Bible says that such have already been paid in full. Their divine blessings are therefore closed out. When it comes to giving, discretion, I believe, is the most honourable thing to uphold. 

Doing good, in most cases, is relative to being good. Genuinely good actions will mostly be as a result of a genuinely good personality. Some impaired perceptions, however, may have it that doing good renders one righteous. That is a lie from the devil himself. Doing good after a sinful act does not, by any means, compensate for the sin committed. Good deeds can never serve to bribe God into condoning sin. The only drug that cures sin is repentance and salvation through the blood of Jesus. One needs to let God transform his/her soul from deep within so that their good actions can be truly pleasing, even before God. Externally good actions may make you seem perfect, earning you some accolades. They may however hold little or no significance in God’s eyes if you are proud and ill-conceited. God values a humble and broken spirit. Matthew 5:5 declares the meek blessed, for they will inherit the earth.

My one desire is to learn how to do what is good and give thanks to God for enabling me to, because all that is good comes from him. Recognition or appreciation should be the last things in my mind. The fact that the All-knowing God has seen it will be enough for me. He is of more importance to me than any praise or applause from anyone in this world. Making my motivation dependent on human beings has proven futile. I have realized that it is, kind of, expecting too much from them. Therefore, I will steer myself ahead, focusing on the reward that my Maker has in store for me. It may not be instant, but in the mean time, His love, peace and immense grace will do me just fine. 

Titus 3:8 – This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.